Kathryn Potts Schlosser, 98, still remembers what life was like at Midland High School. “Midland used to be out in the country around four or five blocks,” she said.

Schlosser graduated from MHS 80 years ago today, in 1932. She was part of a graduating class of 137 students.

“I always belonged to bridge clubs, bowling and dancing,” she said. “You had to make your own entertainment. You didn’t just sit on your butt.”

“I can remember when I was going with my husband and picking him up from work around 12 o’clock and we’d listen to the radio,” she said.

After graduation from high school, Schlosser went to work at The Dow Chemical Co. for 27 years, beginning in 1944, before retiring to Florida.

“I was always taught to work hard and do my work,” Schlosser said. “For most people a week or two vacation was nice, but I was ready to go to work after three or four days.”

Schlosser has kept up this energy throughout her entire life, and continues to participate in an activity almost every day at Riverside Place in Midland.

“They have all kinds of activities to keep us old people out of mischief,” Schlosser said. “It would be terrible if the days just dragged on.”

Schlosser has been an avid knitter since high school and often gifts the projects she makes. Last year she went into a crafting store and asked for the most difficult pattern available to challenge herself and completed the project with ease, she said.

She is the only survivor of 12 kids. Schlosser lived in Florida for more than 35 years after she retired.

The secret to living a long and healthy life is to remain positive and work hard, she said.

“I just don’t sweat it,” she said. “I don’t let things bother me. You can dwell on your misfortunes, but I’ve been very fortunate.”

Schlosser said she also owes her longevity to God. “I had the Lord too and that really makes a difference,” she said.